Pets and children

Anna and I visited an aqua exhibition of ornamental fish, where about one hundred twenty varieties of fish were on display. Each tank had one type of fish with a description about each of them. Although it was not a well attended exhibition, those who visited the exhibition was most appreciative of its educational value from two press reports I read in the news paper.  It was certainly a visual treat to children. Two families, who visited the exhibition, mentioned to me that they decided to buy an aquarium on the persuasion of their children, after visiting the exhibition. 

Let me recommend having a table top aquarium for families where there are young children. Of all the pets we can have at home, it is the fish that takes least of our attention and care and  yet most conducive to activate children into creative instincts.   

Let me suggest three reasons for this.

1.Younger children are curious, exploratory and observant. The ornamental fish and their aquatic life is fascinating to watch. It enhances visual observational skills and allows children to follow the life cycle of the fish. There will be births and deaths, which in itself introduces them to realities of life that they can get introduced to in a non-threatening setting. The habit of feeding the fish every day,  areating the tank, cleaning the tank and changing the water periodically are good learning exercises and initial experiences  in accepting responsibilities for children. They learn a lot about a world of aquatic life on their own by accessing books and the internet. 

I know of people getting excited about the life of voyage in the sea, through the learning experiences of having an  aquarium at home, and later choosing a professional training to procure a sailing job.

2. Most children are on the 'go', often. With changes in modern life style, most children are used to activities or performances which have faster pace and rhythm. Their attention lasts as long as the activity has 'instant' fulfilment. Some children give up activities which test their patience. The computer games, play stations, watching animations, etc are the commonest sought after activities of younger children that they are at risk of losing the art of observing, interpreting, creating or caring. The slow and elegant movement of the fish in water is good visual stimulus  to children to 'slow down pace' to grow in skills of appreciation and application. 

In fact psychologist have found that there is a growing interest to use aquarium and dolphenarium and dogs as therapeutic resources in therapy of children with attention deficit and autistic behaviour. I have found from my experience that some children benefit by being less restless and more communicative from this form of therapy.  

3. It is an introduction to the world of animals that many children would need early in life,  to have a sound and healthy attitude and approach towards them later in life. Many children are afraid of pets such as dogs or cats and this fear seems to continue into adulthood. A systematic and ongoing orientation is needed from early childhood for children to grow up with a relational view towards pets, animals,etc. Such a journey of education of the environment can begin with having a small aquarium at home, which is often fascinating and captivating for most children. 

I have had much dialogue with families about creating opportunities for children to choose some hobbies. I am delighted by the increasing awareness among parents to consider including pets to augment the childhood environment at home. 

Anna and I miss the 'love birds' we have had for fifteen years at our home at CMC Campus, Vellore, which attracted children regularly to our home in the evenings. The birds greeted and sang to us when we stood watching them outside their wooden house. We are happy that it has become an attraction at Snehadeepam, a retreat centre at Vellore.   

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)